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Multi Unit Building with 4 Electrical Meters


I have a multi-unit building with 4 meters and 4 electrical boxes. One of the boxes is for common areas but it has a breaker which one of the tenants should be paying for….



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Neutral Wire for a Multiple Meter Electrical Service
[ad#block]Question: I have a multi-unit building with 4 meters and 4 electrical boxes. One of the boxes is for common areas but it has a breaker which one of the tenants should be paying for. I can move the hot wires and breaker to the tenants box easily but I cannot be sure I moved all the white “neutral” return wires. Is it going to cause a problem if the hot wire is on one meter and the neutral is on a different meter/box?

This electrical question came from: Jeff, a Property Manager from Chicago, IL
Additional Comments: Thanks!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Jeff.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Junction Boxes

Electrical Code for How Many Wires in Junction Boxes

Circuit Breakers

House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring

Types of Electrical Testers

Using Electrical Testers

Electrical Wire for the Home

breaker
2-pole-circuit-breaker
Electrical Wiring Protection using Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

wire
electrical-wire
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

box
electrical-wiring
Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.

For more information about Circuit Wiring
Circuit Wiring
Circuit Wiring
Electrical Circuit Wiring
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

This link is helpful as a Property Manager
Home Electrical Safety


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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Multi Unit Building with 4 Electrical Meters”
  1. CECIL BRAITHWAITE says:

    WHAT IS THE MAIN FEEDER AMPERAGE AND CONDUCTOR SIZES FOR A MULTIPLE BUILDING WITH 4 ELECTRICAL METERS EACH BUILDING A 1OO AMP CAPACITY AT 120/240 VOLTS. IS IT CORRECT TO INSTALL COMBINATION PANELS OR NON COMBINATION PANELS IN EACH BUILDING.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Cecil,
    Rather then just answering this test question for you, I would prefer to post this for open discussion, this way you will be encouraged to receive a more valuable education rather then just having someone provide you with the answer.